Fermented rice water is an ancient treatment, already used in Eastern medicine as a powerful beauty elixir, capable of keeping skin youthful and toned and making hair grow stronger and shinier.
In Japan during the Heian period (between the 8th and 12th centuries BC), court women used it on their hair every day and called it Yu-Su-Ru.
Fermented rice water: the properties
Rice water contains vitamins B and E, mineral salts, nutrient molecules and folic acid, elements very useful for hair and skin.
Through fermentation, rice water also develops a high concentration of antioxidants and has an astringent and sebum-regulating effect, making it ideal for acne, blackheads, and dandruff.
The benefits of rice water for hair
Rice water is rich in starch, an ingredient with a hydrating and emollient action; the starch also creates a sort of film on the hair, thickening the shaft and protecting it from breakage, split ends and fragility.
Thanks to the extra hydration provided by the starch, hair also becomes shinier and more elastic: this helps you tame frizz and have more elastic and defined curls !
Rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals, rice water is also excellent for soothing the scalp in case of itching, dandruff, and irritation.
Through fermentation, rice water also develops an acidic pH, very similar to that of hair: this makes it ideal for post-shampoo illuminating treatments and as an acidic hair rinse .
How do you prepare rice water?
Making rice water is very simple: you can prepare it using either a cold or hot process.
I'll tell you both, so you can choose the one that's most convenient for you.
How to make cold rice water
Cold-preparing rice water is quick and easy, and preserves many nutrients that are lost when prepared hot. However, compared to hot-prepared rice water, it contains less starch.
I therefore recommend this preparation if you are mainly interested in preserving vitamins and minerals or if you don't have time to cook it using the hot method.
To prepare cold rice water , proceed as follows:
1. Rinse a cup of rice under running water and pour it into a bowl;
2. Add room temperature water until it covers the rice and let it sit for about an hour, stirring occasionally to release the nutrients. When the water becomes cloudy, you can strain it and pour it into a clean container.
How to prepare hot rice water
Hot preparation takes a little longer.
1. Bring 50 grams of rice to the boil in about two cups of water.
2. Cook the rice according to the package instructions, without adding salt. Filter the resulting water (which will be thicker than cold water) and pour it into a container.
The extra zero-waste tip: the rice mask:
You can use cooked rice or make a hydrating pre-shampoo hair mask : blend the cooked rice with a tablespoon of coconut oil and a tablespoon of honey. If it's too thick, add a little rice water!
Apply to damp hair, cover with a shower cap and leave on for at least 15 minutes before shampooing.
How do you make fermented rice water?
Fermented rice water is very simple to make.
Follow the cold method we use for rice water, so cover a cup of rice with room temperature water and stir occasionally.
The rice should be left in water for 24-48 hours before filtering the water.
After 48 hours, filter the resulting liquid, pour it into a glass container and store it in the fridge to stop the fermentation.
Fermented rice water will keep for up to a week.
How do you use fermented rice water?
You can use fermented rice water for a very quick hydrating pack: pour the product into a spray bottle and spritz it all over damp hair after shampooing. If you don't have a spray bottle, you can simply pour it into a bowl and soak your hair in it.
Massage to distribute the product throughout the hair and leave on for at least 15 minutes.
Rinse with running water and proceed to drying.
You can also use fermented rice water as an acidic hair rinse : in a bottle, dilute the fermented rice water with an equal amount of cold water or herbal tea or hydrosol. Use it on your hair as a final rinse to make it soft and shiny!
Does fermented rice water really make hair grow faster?
Fermented rice water is rich in inositol, vitamins, and antioxidants that strengthen the hair fiber, making hair more resistant and less prone to breakage. This can promote healthier and more visible growth, although there are no clinical studies demonstrating a direct acceleration of growth.
Can I use fermented rice water on all hair types?
Yes, it's suitable for all hair types: straight, wavy, curly, or frizzy. On fine hair, it adds body and shine, while on curly hair, it helps define movement and reduce frizz. Those with very dry hair can combine it with a nourishing mask with plant oils.
Is fermented rice water also good for facial skin?
Thanks to its acidic pH and antioxidant compounds, it can act as a natural toner: it balances sebum production, refines skin texture, and adds radiance. It's especially useful for oily or combination skin, but always test on a small area first to rule out irritation.
How long does homemade fermented rice water keep?
If prepared correctly and stored in the refrigerator in a clean container, fermented rice water will keep for about 5-7 days. If you notice a strong odor or changes in color, it's best not to use it.
Is the hot or cold method better for preparing rice water?
The cold method preserves more nutrients and vitamins, while the hot method releases more starch, which helps thicken and coat hair. Both are valid: you can choose based on the result you want to achieve.
Are there any contraindications to using fermented rice water?
It's generally safe, but may be too astringent for those with very sensitive skin. In these cases, it's recommended to dilute it with water or hydrosols and not use it too often (once a week is sufficient).
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